EastEnders fans were left heartbroken during the live episode on Thursday when it emerged that Martin Fowler had tragically died after being crushed in the explosion

EastEnders fans have made a heartbreaking realisation after Martin Fowler’s death.

On Thursday, fans of the BBC soap tuned into a live episode as the show celebrated its 40th anniversary. The dramatic episode came with several twists – some which left viewers in tears. In recent weeks, who fans have been waiting to find out who was responsible for attempting to kill Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) on Christmas Day after she was left for dead. On Wednesday, fans were left shocked with Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) revealing she was Cindy’s mystery attacker.

But that wasn’t the only shock that show boss Chris Clenshaw had planned. As the drama surrounding Cindy unravelled, coldblooded killer Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) smashed his car into the Queen Vic and a string of gas canisters. This lead to the Queen Vic going up in flames and exploding, wreaking havoc across Albert Square.

Martin Fowler (James Bye) became trapped alongside his current partner, Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) but refused to leave until he rescued the mother of his children and ex-wife, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). But as Martin cleared a path for him and Stacey to leave – she refused to do so until they expressed their true feelings for one another. As she held a door closed, a large metal beam fell landing on Martin and crushing his legs. During the live episode last night, Stacey and Martin made their feelings for one another clear, with Martin asking for her hand in marriage.

But the revelation was bittersweet as Stacey was told by emergency workers that once the beam had been lifted, due to Martin suffering from crushed syndrome, he would suffer from kidney failure and eventual cardiac arrest – leading to his tragic death. Actor James had played Martin from 2014, taking over from James Alexandrou while the role was originally played by Jon Peyton-Price. Martin had been born on the show in the soap’s first year on air.

But fans have since realised that Martin was the first baby to be born on the soap opera when it launched back in 1985. Martin was the son of Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) and her husband, Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher). Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans shared their heartbreak after making the discovery.

One said: “The first baby born on #EastEnders Martin Fowler is officially dead. The definition of a legacy character and I can’t actually believe he’s gone. Round of applause to James Bye. It’s hard to be a recast but when I think of Martin Fowler I’ll think of him.” A second went on to write: “Shout out to @jimmybye for the incredible work he has done with Martin over the years. Though the ending was unnecessary for such an iconic legacy character and the last of the Fowler’s it was outstanding acting and all live. He will be missed.”

During the first ever episode, it was announced that his mum Pauline Fowler was pregnant (Image: BBC)

Another commented: “Martin was the first baby born on EastEnders. Martin being the one who dies tonight.” “I actually think it was a really bad decision to kill off the first ever baby born on the square (Martin Fowler). I just assumed we would see the character go from cradle to old man, to grave. Writing him out or maybe another recast would have been better,” wrote a third. Meanwhile, a fourth penned: “I’m still in shock that Martin was killed off the first baby born on Albert Square in 1985 dies in the Queen Vic on the shoes 40th anniversary, legacy character through and through he will be missed.”

Pauline’s pregnancy was announced in the first ever episode of the show which first aired on February 19, 1985. James spoke about his exit after the scenes aired, and said: “Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude. A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years. This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.”

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.